Usage of electric vans has been something of a controversial topic in many industries for a whole, but recent data from Michelin Connected Fleet suggests that the vehicles, while present and used in fleets, aren’t receiving the proper support and care necessary for success.
The latest figures show that while the typical diesel vehicle travels 63 miles in a day, electric models only do roughly 23. Furthermore, 59% of all electric vehicles are being charged when the current charge in the vehicle is more than 50%. These figures point to the idea that electric vehicles are being charged too frequently and used too little.
Alberto De Monte is the business segment director for EV and OEM at Michelin Connected Fleet, and has said the following on the topic:
“Range anxiety is clearly impacting the fleet market’s confidence in electric vans, resulting in EVs being overcharged, and under-worked. In most applications, the EVs you buy today have the range to do the job of a petrol or diesel-powered van in and around cities, but they’re being deployed on the lightest-duty work – whilst ICE assets are being worked harder, which is less efficient and increases emissions.”
An analysis which was conducted by the group has concluded the van drivers charged batteries to more than 90% and 76% of all recorded. This is in comparison to typical car drivers, who only hit more than 90% charge in 58% of charging events. There are varying interpretations for why this is the case. Some people believe that it points to the overall lack of knowledge that van drivers have all the vehicles they are attempting to use, whereas others .2 car drivers being naturally less inclined to wait long periods.
De Monte spoke on this topic as well, saying that “We know lithium-ion batteries perform best when the state of charge is maintained between 20-80%, and the general advice is to only charge the battery fully if you need that additional range for a particularly long journey.
“What we’re seeing points to more guidance being needed for fleets to ensure they are maximising the benefits which transitioning to EVs offer; and not storing up issues which could impact performance and residuals down the line.”
The industry being slow to adapt to electric vehicles is sadly not a new occurrence. Electric cars have been a normal part of life for a few years now, but the number of people that own and use them on a regular basis is quite low.
While electric vans make up a reasonable portion of most fleets, they are not used to their full potential. This is to the detriment of the business in question, as electric vans can be sustainably charged. Perhaps, over time, as more electric vans begin to fill up the ranks of vehicles that businesses use, there might be more inclination to employ them on a regular basis, but for now, they are a resource, not being used to their full potential.